Chris King breaks down the top four superstars who can replace Drew Gulak on 205 Live during this transition under the NXT umbrella.

This should be an easy answer right? I mean Lio Rush is the new NXT Cruiserweight Champion but WWE has not shared how this transition from 205 Live to under the black and gold umbrella will look so things are very uncertain. We don’t know if Rush will stay on NXT Live and the cruiserweights of 205 Live battle it out to face him on NXT Live. So, with that being said let’s take a look at the top four potential superstars who can become the new face of the cruiserweights.

#4 Tony Nese

Credit: WWE

“The Premier Athlete” Tony Nese has had a rollercoaster ride of a year from winning the Cruiserweight Championship at WrestleMania 35 to losing it a few months later to his friend and rival Drew Gulak at Stomping Grounds. After coming up short in his rematch, Nese began a downward spiral which led to his heel turn on the September 3rd episode of 205 Live where he viciously attacked Oney Lorcan backstage.

Later that night, The Premier Athlete shocked the WWE Universe when he joined forces with Gulak and the duo brutally attacked Humberto Carrillo and Lince Dorado. On last week’s 205 Live, Nese and Gulak teamed up again to battle Lorcan and Danny Burch which saw the babyfaces gain the victory. Now that Nese’s partner is leaving the brand will The Premier Athlete step up and take his place as the vindictive and ruthless ruler of the law?

#3 Mike Kanellis

Credit: WWE

Mike Kanellis made his shocking return on last week’s episode viciously attacking Akira Tozawa and costing him to lose his no disqualification match against his friend turned rival The Brian Kendrick. Kanellis aligned himself with Kendrick to close the show. If you don’t remember Kanellis has had a rough history with the General Manager of 205 Live Drake Maverick and gaining opportunities which led to their brutal anything goes match.

In my opinion, Kanellis should have already challenged for the Cruiserweight Championship by now and it’s absurd he hasn’t. There is no question if Kanellis has the killer instinct that Gulak possessed. Kanellis is extremely talented he and Rush would have some incredible matches but for some reason, WWE just doesn’t want to push him. Now whether or not Triple H changes that remain to be seen but hopefully joining forces with Kendrick will be a step in the right direction.

#2  Oney Lorcan

Credit: WWE

“The Fury of 205 Live” Oney Lorcan is so damn exciting to watch it honestly doesn’t matter whether he’s in a tag team match or singles competition Lorcan just brings an unmatchable amount of energy. He’s like the Energizer Bunny and once he gets going there’s no stopping him. Lorcan recently unsuccessfully challenged for the Cruiserweight Championship at SummerSlam despite losing “The Fury of 205 Live” brought the fight to Gulak in a fantastic opener for the pay-per-view.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t include Lorcan to the list of potential superstars because he can steal any show on any given night. Don’t believe me go back and watch his brutal anything goes match against his long-time rival Ariya Daivari. There were some insane spots and plenty of high-octane action that had the WWE Universe on their feet.

I know right now Rush is a fan-favorite but, if this was all an elaborate ruse to fool the NXT Universe steal the Cruiserweight Title and go back to his stellar dastardly ways then Lorcan should be the first to shut him up. Rush and Lorcan would be crazy fun to watch and they would tear the house down.

#1  “The” Brian Kendrick

Credit: WWE

“The” Brian Kendrick is on a warpath demanding respect by beating it out of whoever gets in his way. He recently turned heel on his so-called friend Akira Tozawa and his reasoning was because he was being overlooked for championship opportunities. Kendrick said he’s not a rookie who needs to prove himself to gain a title shot he’s a damn veteran. If the egocentric heel isn’t the first in line then why the hell did he turn?

Kendrick is seeking to become a two-time Cruiserweight Champion after his title reign in 2016 when he turned on his then-friend TJ Perkins. The two had several great matches that show off his ruthless aggressive character to a tee. Kendrick is the perfect vindictive and cold-hearted superstar to take the place of Gulak.

He and Rush will produce a terrific match perfectly mixed with the Cruiserweight Champion’s high-octane offense and Kendrick’s stellar technical wrestling skills. I can easily see those two superstars involved in a lengthy feud over the Cruiserweight Championship that will bring prestige to the title.

There you have it, folks, those are my picks for the potential new face of 205 Live what are yours? Is there someone I missed that you feel deserves to be on here? I’m very excited to see what this brand-new transition from NXT to 205 Live looks like. With HHH’s creative mind who knows what will happen and not knowing is the fun part.